“Oh goody!”
Andy Soltan, LMT • June 3, 2022
Massage Therapy Brings Joy to Patient
There's a 99-year-old sweetheart of a patient who is a favorite of mine. She doesn't remember me from visit to visit, so I always get to be a nice surprise! On our most recent session, two things stood out to me. The first one I noticed is that the staff that work with her were especially excited to hear that she was getting a massage...despite the fact that she won't remember it. The second thing that caught my attention was how appreciative this patient is and how she made me laugh by exclaiming, "Oh goody! That feels good!" I think she leaves a trail of sunshine behind her, and the staff was so happy to see her get some back.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou
Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East have awarded Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) $50,000 to support grief services and integrative medicine programs. This funding will help BCN provide essential care to more than 1,000 diverse individuals across Lexington, Frankfort, and Cynthiana and address significant health challenges in 2025.
For almost 20 years, Paige Prewitt has embodied the spirit of selfless giving as a volunteer with Bluegrass Care Navigators. From therapy dog visits with Lilly to sewing masks during the pandemic, Paige has consistently found ways to meet others’ needs and give back to her community. Recently, she volunteered her time to handcraft 28 stoles to honor and celebrate our chaplains at Bluegrass Care Navigators.
Ron Reaguer has devoted his life to helping others, but in 2016, the tables turned when his wife, Joyce, suffered the first of three falls that left him needing help to care for her.
Health equity at Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) is more than just a concept—it’s our commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to achieve their best possible health. This commitment means actively addressing systemic barriers such as discrimination, unequal resource distribution, and limited access to quality care. By embracing tailored approaches that address each person’s unique needs, BCN strives to create fair opportunities and equitable outcomes for all.
Shelby Valley High School senior Mahala Honaker discovered the hope found in hospice care through her involvement with Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). After attending a presentation at her high school with the Pikeville Volunteer and Community Liaison, Mahala and her peers recognized an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of hospice services in their community and felt a strong calling to care for those in need.
When it comes to care that truly matters, November's National Hospice and Palliative Care Month shines a light on the difference Bluegrass Care Navigators (BCN) makes every day. In an exclusive interview with WKYT, Liz Fowler, President and CEO of BCN, shares how this organization, founded over 45 years ago by compassionate volunteers, continues to honor its roots while embracing innovative ways to provide comfort and dignity. Watch the video below to discover why their mission matters and how it could touch your life or the lives of those you love.
Alice, a young bereavement client, experienced profound loss at a very early age. Alice herself had been diagnosed with leukemia at just 2 1/12 years old and underwent more than two years of treatment before her cancer went into remission. Then, at the age of 10, Alice’s mother passed away under the compassionate care of Bluegrass Hospice Care after her own prolonged battle with cancer.
Vicky Schriml volunteers at the 11 th hour because she believes that no patient should pass alone. In this role, Vicky offers comforting companionship to patients in our Lexington region who are in their final moments, providing additional support to the patient and family.
Jill Conway serves as an 11 th hour volunteer to give back to her community. In this role, Jill offers comforting companionship to patients in their final moments, especially those without family nearby.
Connie Miller began volunteering with Bluegrass Care Navigators in the Frankfort region just over a year ago while completing her certification as an end-of-life doula. Initially seeking volunteer hours, Connie quickly realized that this work was her calling and decided to continue volunteering long-term.
Subscribe to our Newsletter